Maybe I’m nostalgic because of the almost-just-like-home Thanksgiving celebration we just had. But as the halfway point of our year in Romania approaches, I realize how grateful I am for the people we’ve met here. Friends from India, Jordan, Sweden, Australia, New York, and Texas. The American boy who loves trains as much as Giggles. The German girl who regularly swaps princess dresses with Lollipop. Women who, three months ago, barely knew me but quickly mobilized to bring food and comfort to my doorstep when they heard about my accident. Our nanny. Our neighbors. My physical therapist. The list is as long as our time here is short. As winter closes in and the dreary, foggy cold settles over our city, I see only sunshine in the faces that have quietly yet quickly become part of our daily routine. And I’m not ready to contemplate saying goodbye.

I am so thrilled that everything is turning out exactly like you wanted. What an experience for all of you to have, and I can see why you would have trepidation as you reach your halfway mark. I can only imagine the amazing experiences you have and will continue to have.